Bill Beavis was a seaman turned journalist who had long been interested in nautical etymology. He died a number of years ago. Richard McCloskey is a distinguished American marine historian.

Most of us never realise how many words and expressions used in everyday English have a fascinating nautical origin. This charming pocketbook explains the practical ship-board beginnings of over 200 such phrases - colourful, bizarre and surprising - and how they came ashore.

An old favourite, derived from the colourful language of sailors from the days of sail.